by KYW's Kim Glovas and Jim Melwert
Philadelphia police have arrested an Upper Darby volunteer firefighter for his part in the mayhem on Broad Street following the Phillies' World Series win (see previous story).
After the victory, the Philadelphia Fire Department's ladder truck 5 was heading northbound on Broad Street, responding to a call of a person trapped in an elevator, when it was overtaken by about 200 people who were blocking Broad St. during the celebration. The crowd jumped onto the roof and rear of the truck. One eyewitness said the crowd was trying to overturn the fire truck.
Police and firefighters were finally able to remove the revelers from the truck, which sustained more than $7,000 damage. Later, firefighters discovered wallet belonging to 28-year-old Robert Smith of Upper Darby that had been left behind.
Philadelphia police Lt. Frank Vanore says it's hard to believe someone with a background in fire and rescue would take part in such an act:
"These firemen were trying to get to a service call, people that needed help and to have an individual that works in the fire field to cause such damage is inexcusable."
Smith (top photo) is charged with criminal mischief, riot, failure to disperse, tampering with a fire hydrant, and disorderly conduct.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia police are asking for the public's help in identifying another suspect in the Broad Street vandalism following the Phillies' World Series win. They have released a series of photos (at right) taken from a videotape of a flagpole at Broad and Walnut being vandalized.
Police have also released video (below) of the looting that took place at a Robinson's Lugguge store on Broad Street.
Police are asking that anyone who can help identify anyone from the pictures or videos call the police department's tipline at 215-686-TIPS.
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